Gijón Getaway: Beaches, Art, and Cider in a Day

Discover the enchanting coastal beauty of Gijón, Spain.

22 April 2023

Gijón is a coastal city located in northern Spain, known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. From exploring the charming old town with its medieval architecture and cobbled streets to enjoying authentic Asturian cuisine in cosy taverns, there is plenty to do and see in Gijón. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for travellers looking to experience the unique culture of northern Spain.

Day trip plan

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Gijón in a Day: Beaches, Art and Cider

  • Start the day off with a stroll along San Lorenzo Beach, breathing in the salty air and snapping panoramic photos of the coastline.
  • Head to the historic center for a cultural morning, visiting the Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura to admire its impressive architecture and contemporary art exhibitions.
  • Make a stop at the nearby Plaza Mayor to have a café con leche and some tarta de manzana (apple tart), the sweet temptations of Asturias.
  • Experience the local cider culture with a visit to a sidrería, where the waiters will pour cider into your glass from a height to aerate it and enhance its flavor. Don't forget to eat some fabada (a hearty bean stew) or sidra-marinated meats to accompany your drinks.
  • Walk off your lunch along the Paseo de Muro, a waterfront promenade with sculpture gardens and a lighthouse that offers breathtaking vistas of the Cantabrian Sea.
  • Finish the day on a high note at the Cerro de Sta. Catalina, a lookout point that offers sweeping views of Gijón's entire bay, and watch the sunset while you reminisce on your first day in this charming Asturian city.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Gijón by plane is to fly directly to Asturias Airport, which is located about 40 km away. There are regular flights from major cities in Spain and other European countries.

Car

Driving is a good option to reach Gijón, as the city is well connected by road with the rest of Spain. The A-8 is the main highway that connects Gijón with cities like Madrid, Bilbao, and Santander.

Train

Although there is no direct train to Gijón, travelers can take a train to Oviedo from Madrid or other major cities in Spain and then take a local train or a bus to reach Gijón, which is about 30 km away from Oviedo. The train stations are Madrid-Puerta de Atocha and Oviedo Station.

Boat

Although there are no regular passenger ferry services to Gijón, travelers can reach Gijón by boat through the port of El Musel, which is located about 6 km away from the city center. The port is mainly used for cargo and industrial purposes, but there are occasional cruise ships that stop at El Musel port.

Bus

Travelers can take a bus from major cities in Spain to reach Gijón. ALSA, the main bus company in Spain, has regular services to Gijón from Madrid, Bilbao, Santander and other cities. The bus station in Gijón is located in the city center.

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